Club serves up special day for James

A popular Great Amwell teenager who died suddenly from a mysterious medical condition will be remembered at a charity tennis day on Sunday. 

Former Haileybury pupil James Wood collapsed in the family home at Yearling Close in September 2002.  An inquest revealed he had died of SADS (Sudden Adult Death Syndrome), which is similar to cot death. 

The James Wood Memorial Tournament will be held at Broxbourne Tennis Club, of which James was a member. 

It will pay tribute to the youngster two days before the anniversary of his death and three days after what would have been his 17^th birthday.

Parents Gill and Robert have been overwhelmed by the support given by the club.  It is holding a special day in memory of their son for the second time and is hoping to make it an annual event. 

Gill, who has had a special trophy inscribed with James’s name made for the tournament winner, said: “It is a very difficult time for us, but we are thrilled by another tournament is being organised. 

“The event is all about families getting together – and that is a very special message.” 

Money raised from the event will be donated to the charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY).  Gill added: “It is wonderful that the proceeds will go towards the charity which has given our family immense support both in the form of counselling and explaining what might happen to James. 

James would have been learning to drive about now and would have just completed his exams. 

“It’s difficult not to think about these things, but the support and love shown by everyone is a great help in getting us through.”